In the news...

About a month ago I was interviewed for a national newspaper, Zëri. The title of the newspaper means "voice". I have never been interviewed before and found it to be very interesting. Through a translator...Urim, I was asked many questions, and here are some of my answers:

• What do you find hard about living in Kosova? "when the power goes out and I have to close my clinic because it is cold, or there is no water...but I know that everyone else also deals with these difficulties...it is part of life here."
• What do you like about the people of Malishevë/Kosova? "I like the way people are friendly, and how they value families and relationships. The people of Kosova are very hard workers. "
• What do you not like about the people of Kosova? "the cigarette smoke" (we all laughed when I said that, especially since the man doing the interview had just lit up a cigarette.)
  
• What would you tell the Mayor of Malishevë? "continue to encourage the people to be a part of the change that is taking place in Kosova...it will take time, but step by step good changes are taking place, be patient"

I was also able to share that I was a Christian missionary, and that God gave me a love for the people of Kosova, and especially for the community of Malishevë. They found it difficult to understand why I would leave the wealth and comfort of America to come help the people of Kosova. There were also general questions about my family and friends in the US, as well as questions about my physical therapy work and clinic.

There was one question that I was not asked..."where is your husband?" That is usually the first question people ask me.

A few friends have read the article that was released today and told me it was very good, very positive about the work that is going on here in Malishevë. Yes, I bought a few extra copies of the newspaper.

Perëndia ia fali dashurinë për Kosovën is translated "God gave her a love for Kosova."

Yes, He did...

Slow down....! (part 2)

Ok....so I got a speeding ticket. Last Sunday when I was returning from Skopje on my first "airport run", I was stopped for going 23kph over the speed limit. Pastor Jeff was with me, we were talking, I probably wasn't paying close attention. Then, there was a police officer standing in the middle of the road with his little stop sign in hand. He asked me for all of my paper work, and license. He asked me where I work, live, and what I do there. He then showed me the speed gun...73kph...in a 50kph zone. He returned to the car with a ticket, and a 25€ fine.

He did not keep my documents...that was a very good thing. It was on a Sunday, and on Monday I had to drive to Skopje again, and needed my documents. I am told you drive to another city, pay the fine and get your documents back. I only had to go to a bank in Malishevë and pay the fine. Yes...I have already paid the fine.

Returning from my second "airport run"...I watched closely the area where I got the ticket...looking for a speed limit sign. There was a 50kph sign at the beginning of a long mountain drive with steep hills and winding roads. The last speed sign was about 10km away from where I got the ticket. Where I got the ticket was a straight stretch of road, completely out of the mountains. I have been told that a good rule of thumb is when driving through villages, 50kph, on straight roads/highways 70-80kph, unless there is a posted sign. I now know what the speed limit is along that stretch of road...I am teachable!

I don't mind driving the speed limit...it is just hard to figure it out sometimes...

Strategies...

The last 3 years I have developed strategies for dealing with the frequent and unpredictable power outages. At first it was just a matter of buying a little propane burner to heat water for tea or hot chocolate. Then when I moved to Malishevë the strategy was to have a gas stove/oven, and to have a heater that stayed warm when there was no power. Being on the second floor with no place to store wood for a wood burning stove, I obtained a heater that has heat retaining bricks...does the job nicely, even when there is no power.

Other strategies included watching the clock to see if it close to the top of the hour, since the power usually goes out on the hour or shortly after. So if it is 6:50am...quick go make toast, use the curling iron for taming bed head, and then if there is time a quick touch up to iron the clothes you plan to wear.

On the other end of this strategy...when the power will come back on...usually at the top of the hour. So when it comes back on...quick put a load of clothes in the washer so it can finish before the power goes out again. Also...quick get into the shower (if there is water), because there will be light and warm water, and time to get your hair dry before the power goes out again.

The only thing that really frustrated me was the loss of the internet connection...and recently many disconnected skype calls with friends and family in the US. I have a good computer battery, so I had that...but otherwise I was in the dark, with only candle light or a oil lantern. Not enough to read or do anything else. Recently the power has been going out around 5pm...just as it was getting dark, and staying off for 2-3 hours. For the last few weeks, the power has been off during some time every evening...

But...I have a new strategy!

I purchased a voltage inverter and battery system, that seamlessly switches on when the power goes out. I continue to have a good light and a connection for my modem for the internet, for 3+ hours. So...I can continue my skype conversations, or work on the internet for school, even when the power is off. There is one small glitch...my modem turns off after 2 hours, or when the power comes back on...oh well...it is still better than before. This new strategy does not include the termo heater, blow dryer, or light anywhere else but in my living room. It is much better than how it was before, I am happy to have good light so that I can read or crochet...or not have to sit in the dark wondering what I can do (besides going to bed at 6pm).

Always an adventure...

PS...I finished this blog post with no power...

Slow down...!

Last week I was driving to Malishevë from another city after picking up my friend Lirak. Richard Kottenstette, a friend from Albuquerque, was also with us and there was a lot of talking going on. I was distracted and not watching my speed, and I got pulled over by the police...speeding 15kph over the limit. (about 9mph over the limit)

Ok...so I didn't know what to say, and was in a little panic about my Albanian. I told the officer I was sorry, that I was an American and I had a meeting with the mayor of Malisheve...which was true. He asked me if it was Isni Kilaj, I said yes. He said ok, drive slower and let me go.

Wow...!

On the road to Prishtina I saw this police car parked...look a little closer. I have seen a real police car behind this sign.

Slow down...

The clinic is open...

The clinic is finally open...

I really opened on the 2nd of November...I sat for 2 hours...no patients. I did have a former patient's father bring me a box of chocolate for celebrating the opening.

On Friday the 4th of November...the power went out just as I opened the door...which meant no heat. I waited for 1 1/2 hours until my feet were too cold sitting and waiting. No patients came.

On Monday the 7th of November...it was the second day of Kurban Bajram, which is the equivalent to the day after Thanksgiving, I didn't even plan to go to the clinic.

Today...November 9th, I had 2 patients come for treatment. One was a previous patient, the other was a new patient. One gentleman came and asked what was going on in this room. He works on the 3rd floor and saw the clinic from the outside and was curious. I have 3 patients scheduled for Friday, the first patient will bring her sister-in-law on Friday, her back hurts at the end of the day.

So...it has begun. Word of mouth is working in Malishevë. I will also go and meet with the doctors at the health center and they will allow me to put up some signs letting patients know where I am working now.

Thank you to everyone who helped prayerfully, and financially in supporting this adventure...

Running, jumping, and laughing...

Today I got a phone call about my little guy, Çlirim. He left this earth today; no longer unable to speak, see, or move. I have not been able to treat him for a year now...he had numerous episodes/battles with stomach viruses and pulmonary infections. When I last saw him in June he was no long able to eat, only on intravenous fluids and if it was possible thinner and even more fragile.

Now, I see him with the Lord, running and jumping, exploring things he has never seen before...and laughing...!

Please pray for his family, his mother, aunts and siblings. I am sure they are feeling a great loss...caring for Çlirim the last 12 years has been the focus of their lives.

slippers...

What an adventure it was to go to one of the small stores and purchase 9 pairs of slippers, and they are all a different pattern. There are 2 extra large for men, 2 extra small for children, and the rest for the women. The store owner finally asked me why I needed all of these slippers. I told him I was a physical therapist with a new clinic and I needed slippers for my patients to wear inside...he completely understood after that.

When have you ever gone to a doctor's office...taken your shoes off outside...and put on slippers (that someone else had their feet in)? Yes, I do have plans to periodically wash the slippers.

I have been sweeping up a lot of dirt each time I go to the clinic...and I am the only one in there. Yes, I have my shoes on, but I am careful about not walking through the mud on my way to the clinic.

So...my patients will take their shoes off outside the clinic, on a carpet, and put slippers on to come into the clinic. That is culture here, and it will help to keep the clinic clean, well...cleaner.

Almost ready...

Each day I am getting a little closer to opening the clinic...I am ready to start treating patients again. This is how the clinic will look from the outside. I like how the curtains provide some privacy, but still allow the light into the room. The furniture is all in the clinic, still waiting for the privacy screen, the frame for one table, and an exam stool. The privacy screen is really needed...although privacy in Malishevë is nothing compared to what privacy means in the US. There is definitely no HIPAA here.

I have two portable heaters in the clinic...it takes them about 30 minutes to nicely warm the room, when I have electricity. Don't know what I will do when I don't have electricity...I may have to close for that day.

It has been the little things that have taken the longest, like remeasuring the curtains, and the rugs, and continually sweeping dirt up. Where does all the dirt come from when nobody is in the clinic?

I am hoping for a Wednesday Nov 2nd opening...

Still moving forward...

Here are just a few quick updates about the progress on opening the clinic.

• How many bottles of "lime dissolver chemical" does it take to remove 2+years of rust and mineral build up from the toilet and bathroom floor...? answer 12 (what exactly is in those bottles...?)
  
• You know your car is small when the rods for the curtains won't fit inside of your car, but have to hang out the side window, the rods were 2.5 meters long.
• If you are measuring the windows for the curtains...do it 2 or 3 times to be sure. I gave the clerk the wrong measurements...switching the length and the width on the two large front windows. They were about 8" too short...and need to be reordered. A lesson learned...!
• A book case and a wooden storage closet with doors have been ordered, to be delivered on Thursday. I hope I did better with the measurements than I did with the curtains.
  
• I need to find a way to get the tri-fold privacy screen to Malishevë...I know it won't fit inside my car, and securing it to the top of my car would be an adventure, and a spectacle while on the highway.
  

The curtain rods are up, the furniture is in, both tables are in the clinic. Now for all the odds and ends...like trash cans, towels, an area rug, and slippers for patients to put on when they come in the clinic.

I am hopeful for an October 31st ribbon cutting. I will invite the Mayor and the doctors/staff from the health center.

It is coming together...

The clean team from Vajta Hungary...

An amazing group of young people are currently in Malishevë spending 10 days away from CC Bible College in Vajta, Hungary. Today they scrubbed bathrooms, windows, floors, and chairs in both the church and the clinic.

What a blessing to get the cleaning done.

What a blessing to get to work with this group of young people.

Now, the next step is to get the curtains installed across the front windows and across the smaller back wall windows...

The wait is over...

I have a new sink and a new hot water heater...!

Last Friday I went to the clinic to meet 2 workers that transported my treatment table from Prishtina to Malishevë. When I got to the clinic door, there was Shaip working on installing the sink. He was the plumber that we had originally asked to do the work. He had already completed the water heater installation and repaired the leaking faucet and leaking toilet.
Here it is all finished...there needs to be a little touch up work done on the wall behind. Also, maybe in the future I will put a tile splash board behind the sink, for ease of cleaning.

One more step towards getting the clinic open.

Still waiting....

A week ago Wednesday, the 5th, someone was to come to the clinic to begin the work installing the sink and the water heater and to repair the leaks in the bathroom. He still hasn't come, or even called. Last night, someone different was to go to the clinic at 5pm to begin the plumbing work. It didn't happen.

There are no yellow pages here to look up and call a plumber...it is all word of mouth. Someone has an uncle with a cousin that knows someone that can do plumbing.

In God's timing it will all come together, according to His plans.

Painting all finished...

The painting is all finished at the new clinic. Labi is the young man I hired from our fellowship, and he did a great job. It is amazing what a fresh coat of white paint did for the room. So the first step is completed.

Now...waiting for someone to install the sink and water heater that I have purchased. Pastor Randy spoke with a local shop owner who also does plumbing. He was to meet Pastor Randy at 2pm on Wednesday...last Wednesday...still waiting.

The landlord needs to come and repair the leak on the water valves to the toilet and the sink in the bathroom. Maybe the plumber can do all the work and just bill the landlord for his portion of the work...?

I will check on the window coverings and an area rug later this week.

"little by little"...it is coming together...stay tuned...

The Adventure Begins....

October 1, I paid the first month's rent on the new clinic area . This is going to be quite an adventure for me...I have never been in a position to have a clinic or manage a clinic before in my career as a physical therapist.

The room is located on the 2nd floor in a building that is mostly vacant. The KEK office is on the first floor, which is the electric company. There is a post office for mail and telephone service, and there is also a coffee bar at the other end of the hallway on the 2nd floor. The health center is visible from the front door of the building as is my apartment...so it is close to where I was previously treating patients and where I live.

Pastor Randy will be helping to manage the work that needs to be done before I can begin treating patients. A new sink will be installed so that I don't have to go into the bathroom to wash my hands after each patient. There is no hot water in the bathroom so I will need to install an "on demand" 10 liter water heater...so I won't be heating water when I am not in the clinic. That will save on the electric bill...! I also need to install curtains across the entire front wall, which you can see is glass. Most curtains here are a type of sheer fabric, some designs in the fabric are common. I don't mind the sheer fabric, it will allow sunlight to come in but offer some privacy to what is going on in the clinic. Paint...I know nothing about the paint here. In the US, I would ask the guy in the paint aisle what to buy. I have no clue...but I am planning on painting the walls white. You can see the frames of the windows/doors are bright blue, and my waiting area chairs are bright red. Enough said...

I have found a place to purchase an exam stool, no wheels, but it will work. I also located a tri-fold privacy screen, as well as some furniture from an English school. The father of a former patient, will take a truck to Prishtina to pick up the other treatment table that has been in storage for 2 years, and bring it to the clinic in Malishevë for me.

So this next week is about getting started. I hope to be treating patients by the 17th, sometimes things go really slowly here...timing is always an unknown. I am sure I will learn many things in this process...it is always an adventure...

Two more things...

While driving back to Kosova today...on the "autostrade", the new super highway in Albania...where did the 3 cows come from, how did they get on the highway with guardrails everywhere and no villages in site...? They seemed to be happy just standing there, traffic was very light. Where were the "humans"...?

What is "discount pizza"???

Montenegro tidbits...

Having spent the last week in Montenegro, I want to share things that really made me smile or wonder...huh...?

Ulcinj and most of Montenegro is coastal, with beautiful beaches. Fashion here includes a visible swimsuit under your clothing...men don't wear shirts in restaurants...men are often in speedo swimsuits, not so much the younger generation, and everyone has sandals on. No stiletto high heels here. Younger children, 4 years and younger...well, most of them wear nothing on the beach.

Bacon and pork chops in the stores. Eggs in cartons in the stores.

There is a rooster in a yard across from my hotel...he starts crowing everyday at noon, not when the sun comes up, but in the afternoon...

Most buildings and homes are white brick with red roofs, rarely were there red brick buildings so common in Kosova.

Mosquitoes are especially fond of American blood, I think my "OFF" repellent was a sweet nectar to the little critters that partied in my room last night.

I saw lots of Toyota Yaris cars...bigger brothers though, they all had 4 doors. I was very pleased to get 65mpg on this trip, driving 731km on 27 liters of diesel.

There is a more open display of affection. Older couples walking holding hands, younger couples also. Albanian and English are spoken in Ulcinj...but as you drive further north, there is very little Albanian and almost no English. It was fun to watch families playing in the ocean, grand fathers, parents, siblings...they were all having a great time together. I know this is a tourist community, but the kindness that was shown me was genuine...not because I was an American, but because I think the people of Montenegro are very nice.

Tomorrow...returning to Kosova, the holiday is over...

Montenegro...

I am currently in Ulcinj, Montenegro...for a time of rest and restoration.

Yesterday I drove along the entire coast of Montenegro, from Ulcinj to Herceg Novi. The Adriatic Sea is between Italy and Montenegro. I was able to take my time, I would turn off of the main road to stop and take pictures, or to just enjoy the beauty. Ok, I confess...I got lost a few times turning down a road that I thought would give me a great view...to discover it was a one way road that twisted and turned into a small residential area. At one point I took a ferry across a bay to Herceg Novi. I took the long way around the on the return trip...it took me about 45 minutes, but it was beautiful. There was one place, Kotor, that I would have loved to stop and explore more. There were steep mountains on one side, the ocean on the other...but on the side of those mountains were remnants of the old city fortress walls. It was getting late in the day, and I wanted to be back in Ulcinj before dark.

There were areas that were so colorful with oleanders of every color...white, pink, red. There were also bougainvillea mostly bright pink and purples. There were also palm trees, pine trees, rose of sharon, and magnolia trees...in some areas, all of this was a canopy along the drive.

The one thing I have to remember...I am no longer driving a Jeep...and I need to be careful turning down dirt roads to take pictures. My little car just is not made for those kinds of adventures. I was really happy when several times when I found myself on a very narrow one way stone street, and I had room to spare getting through. A Jeep would have never made it through those narrow streets.

The server at my hotel is too slow to download any photos at this time...

Mr. Scott...Grandfather...

I want to say goodbye to my former father-in-law, and my daughter's grandfather. He celebrated his 97th birthday on August 5th. He was an amazing man, he had a mind for business, I guess that is why he was an accountant for Exxon. Of course there were times of conflict...and he could frustrate beyond words. He loved his grand daughters very much...that I know for sure. In the past 5 years, Mr. Scott and I had resolved many issues and had become friends. Even though I was no longer a part of the family, officially, he always considered me part of his family.

Mr. Scott is with the Lord...I know this for fact. He made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. So it is really not good bye...

Wedding season...

Summer is the main season for weddings in Kosova, especially
during the month of August when Europe takes a holiday. It is a time of constant parades of cars, with typical Albanian music, often being played from the back of a "pick up" type vehicle. Of course, there are often 20-30 vehicles also playing music and honking their horns.

I have not attended a wedding yet, but here is what I understand that happens. There is a celebration at the bride's home, men in one area and the women in another. Lots of music, food, and dancing. There is a similar celebration at the groom's home, again the men and women in separate areas. The groom's family decides when to make the procession to the bride's home to pick her up. Once the bride arrives at the groom's home, there may still be more dancing, but basically the wedding is over. The bride now lives with the groom's family.

There is not a time of "official" marriage vows, etc.
A certificate of marriage is obtained from the municipality, and the wedding is held when the groom's family decides.
Weddings are a time of celebration and dancing. Lots of dancing...

I have a new Son-in-Law...

Sam and Elissa were married on July 7, and my heart rejoices for them. They had been dating for a year now, and now have begun a new chapter in both of their lives. During my trips back to the US, I had time to visit with Sam and his family. I also had time to see Sam and Elissa together, and I am sure that the love they have for each other is precious and genuine.

Please join me in praying for Sam and Elissa, that their love for each other and the Lord will grow stronger every day. Congratulations! Urime!

It's hot...

3 weeks ago, we were having quite cool weather in Malishevë with highs in the mid 60's and lows into the 50's at night. Then...summer arrived! Now we are having mid to upper 90's during the day...cooling to mid to upper 60's at night, with 30-50% humidity. This morning it was 88 degrees in my apartment at 7:30 in the morning. I needed a creative way to keep my apartment cooler.

Power has been pretty reliable and I have 2 oscillating room fans that move the air around and it helps some. My friend, Lycia, suggested covering my windows with the shiny silver stuff you put in the windshield of your car to keep it cooler. I have not ever seen anything like that in Kosova. I went to the store this morning where car tires, motor oil, and etc are sold. The owner looked in a back room and found 3 shiny sun shades...they cost me $10. 3 shades cover 4 windows, with some creative use of tape and shoestrings.

From the outside of my apartment I am sure that the locals are wondering what I am doing now...? You know those TV shows with really weird people that cover their windows with aluminum foil to keep the aliens and the government from doing "mind probes"...? Well, now at least in 2 rooms I am safe from aliens, mind probes, and hopefully some of the heat. (sorry there are no photos...that would be too incriminating ;-))

Life here is always an adventure...

Driving in Kosova...

Now that I have a vehicle I am in the "driving school" of Kosova. I was told that learning to drive here is about understanding the rhythm. Part of the rhythm is in dealing with all the various vehicles on the road, at the same time! Semi tractor, horse drawn cart loaded with hay, bicycle...and the rest of the cars trying to pass. For the most part, drivers are courteous and let you in when a car approaches going the other direction. Speed limits are slow compared to the US..this road was 60kph, which is about 35mph. The fastest speed limit is 80kph, about 50mph. Of course, there are those who drive much faster than the speed limits, and as in the US, there are police along the side of the road with speed guns and tickets to slow them down.

Before and After....

My apartment building got a face lift. Actually it was more than a face lift...it was insulated. Most buildings are made of red brick and there is no insulation inside. The walls are finished with a rough texture and paint. But there is no insulation...only brick and concrete walls. When a building is insulated, thick styrofoam-like sheets are applied to the outside of the building over the red brick, and then a stucco-like coating is applied. So...this winter I will be warmer in my apartment. I also think
I have been cooler
this summer during the day. What a
blessing! I am also glad that my landlord didn't use the "bright orange" color scheme I have seen on other buildings around Kosova.

PS...that is my new car in front of my apartment building...

The Box...

The missing mystery box has found it's way back to Albuquerque! It left New Mexico on January 31, 2011 the destination was Malishevë, Kosovo. It was delivered back to Jane's house in Albuquerque on May 18, 2011. All of the items were inside and the box was not opened during this adventure. This morning at a women's brunch we opened the box. Inside were the 2 text books, that I can not return even though they are new and undamaged. There was also hot cereal, almonds, Reese's cups, Splenda sweetener, green chile, tea, a Christmas card, and some stickers.

On the outside of the box there was a stamp from the Serbian postal office: " Due to unexpected situation in the region of Kosovo, mail traffic is interrupted and return to original sender".

It was clear that Jane marked "via Albania" on every side of the box...it seems that someone in the US postal service does not read, or does not know the difference between Serbia and Albania. Someone paid an additional $46.15 to have the box returned to NM.

If only this box could speak and share it's traveling adventure of the last 3 1/2 months...

I have a College Graduate...!

My daughter Elissa, graduated from the University of New Mexico on May 14th, 2011. She has worked very hard the last 5 years to earn 2 degrees: A Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Philosophy. She was also a member of the Honors program. Nicole traveled from California to be a part of this special celebration. I am very proud of Elissa, and I am very thankful for all of the people that came alongside of her and encouraged her during this season in her life.

What will Elissa do next...? (after she gets tired of sleeping in...?) Stay tuned...

Elissa with her Grandfather. Elissa with her man, Sam.

My Big Backyard in Malishevë...

Last summer I had grazing cows in my backyard...the area directly behind my apartment. This spring...I have a carnival. As you watch the video...observe how the kids are holding on to other chairs, some going backwards, some have the chains all twisted. Also, there is a yellow and white metal tower that has a stuffed monkey hanging from it. The goal is to be the first one to knock it down...

The only time it isn't running...when it is raining.
I love the rain, especially when I am trying to study...

And the answer is...

I have discovered where to take my trash now. I know that was a pressing concern for each of you. All of the dumpsters have been removed from Malishevë, and now we have daily curbside trash pick up. Now I just put my trash in a bag on the sidewalk and sometime after 5:30 each day, a truck with workers comes by to pick it up. I don't understand the reason for the change, but that is what makes living here such an adventure...

Where have all the dumpsters gone...

Life in Kosova, and Malishevë, includes dealing with the abundance of trash, everywhere. My first experience with the trash dumpsters was during my second trip to Kosova when I took the trash out at night. I carried the bag down 4 flights of stairs, to a dark area behind the apartment building where the dumpsters were. I tossed the bag into the dumpster and out came several cats...it scared me to death.

In Malishevë there has been a dumpster about 100 yards from my apartment, parked right on the street. Yesterday, I went to throw out my trash and the dumpster is not there. I looked at other places where I have seen them parked before, I can't find a dumpster anywhere on the streets of Malishevë. I am sure the locals were wondering why I was walking the streets with a bag of trash...looking confused. Who do I ask to find out where the dumpsters are now...?

I carried my bag of trash back to my apartment. At least it is cold and it doesn't smell right now.

In the US, now, there are all these different recycling trash bins...one for paper, one for glass/metal, one for non-recyclable stuff. I just want one dumpster within walking distance for my weekly bag of trash. The locals would have just tossed their trash out behind the building in an empty field...I will wait until I can find out where to take my trash.

Stay tuned...

Back to school...again

It is official, I am back in school. I am enrolled in a transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy program through Hardin-Simmons University. The school has made it possible for me to take the entire 2 year program while living in Kosova. The faculty will record the class sessions each semester, somehow they will post the class videos online, and I will be sent the exams. Pastor Randy will serve as my "proctor" for exams, we just need to find someplace that is heated and quiet. I am still not sure how it will all work, but everyone is helping in this process.

On Tuesday, I decided I needed to download all of the assignments and research articles onto my computer. Then, if the power was out or my internet was not working, I would still be able to access the articles and study. KEK, our power company, would not cooperate and stay on long enough for me to get online and save the articles. It took me two days of work to get everything saved.

Now, I am facing the challenge of studying while reading articles on my computer. Most are in .pdf format and I can't figure out how to highlight key points as I am reading. It is too expensive to have the files printed out at a local shop, .10€ per page, which is about .14 cents per page. Anyone have a suggestion...for this semester the exams are open book, and it would be really nice to be able to highlight the articles for future reference.

Last night I decided to start reading one of the text books for class. Of course, KEK had other plans. So...I lit my oil lantern and propped up my rechargeable light on the back of the couch. The lantern ran out of oil...reminder to self to buy more oil. The rechargeable light only worked for about an hour. But...I did get about 15 pages read. I guess I need to plan more study time during the day.

So...not only am I adjusting to being back in school, but I am trying to do it in an unfamiliar way. Life here is such an adventure...

A Breakthrough....!

I was able to communicate with my landlord, Jetfir. That means I was able to carry on a conversation with him, understand what he was saying, and be able to explain what I needed.

Jetfir speaks very fast. Even Labi, who has helped me with translation in the past, says Jetfir speaks very fast. And when I didn't understand what he was trying to say...Jetfir would speak even louder, and faster.

On Monday, I called him because of a water problem with my toilet. When he came to my apartment he told me that Labi has told him to speak slowly to me. He started explaining something to me, and I wasn't confident that I understood. I started to call Labi to help me, and Jetfir stopped me. He explained what he was trying to tell me in a different way...and I got it...! I understood him. And Jetfir did not get louder or faster...

After the issue with the water leak in the toilet was resolved, I was also able to share with him about my ministry here in Malishevë. He asked me if I was still going to get a car, and why I needed a car. I explained that I need to go to homes in the villages to treat patients that are not able to come to the clinic. He was surprised to learn that I do not charge for my physical therapy work.

I was so excited and happy...this is a huge step for me. I never thought I would be able to communicate with my landlord.

But...the downside to this breakthrough is that I have to pay to replace the leaking tank on the toilet. Oh well...

Useless facts about Kosova...

Following are some useless facts about life in Kosova.

I borrowed Pastor Randy's car again this last week, another trip to Prishtina for my residency ID card. All of my paperwork has been approved, it only took 5 trips from Malishevë to Prishtina to get this far in the process. I still have one more trip to make in 10 days...to actually pick up the new ID card. Of course, I had to put gas in the car for the trip and I wondered how much a gallon of gas actually cost. So I did some math. Here goes. One liter of gas is 1.11€, there are 3.78 liters per gallon so it is about 4.19€ per gallon. With today's exchange rate, that makes it about $5.50/per gallon of gas.

Bus fare to and from Prishtina costs 4€. Hmmm....

I saw a billboard in Prishtina announcing a new television show taking place here in Kosova. "Who wants to be a Millionaire". Is that even on in the US any more? No Regis Philbin is not the host. I don't have a television so I won't be able to give any further updates.

Life in Kosova still makes me smile...